There were ten games yesterday and there are eight games today. Some were blowouts, and some kept you on the edge of your seat. Of the eight games today, there are six teams playing in back-to-back games. They are; the Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Lakers. Dallas, Orlando, and Minnesota are on the road, so perhaps be patient if you place bets on those games. As always betting is subject to new data, and live betting can be profitable. The nationally televised games are on ESPN, and the Boston Celtics play the Philadelphia 76ers. The tip-off is at 7:30 PM ET and today’s NBA Best Bets include a straight bet on the marque game. 

Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks travel to Atlanta to play the Hawks. One is a top-scoring team, and one is a top-defensive team. The bookies have it a tightly contested match, and the money line is split evenly. A tight line leads to a prop bet for the night. There is also a prop bet in the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns as ‘the Suns big three’  play in their first game together. 

 

Bet of the Night

Boston Celtics Money Line (-160 at BetMGM)

The Boston Celtics are fifth in points per game with 119.6, and the Philadelphia 76ers are third with 121.2. However, Boston allows the fourth fewest points per game (105.9). Philadelphia allows 111.7 which is 11th, and they are in the second of back-to-back games. That is more of an issue because they are still attempting to figure out their bench rotation, and in-game rhythm since the package trade of James Harden. 

This is however more about Boston than Philadelphia. Boston has more rebounds per game, commits fewer fouls per game, and has the more rested team. It could still be a close game but Boston’s depth should be the difference in this game. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis are capable of big points. J. Brown and K. Porzingis are both questionable and it is something to monitor. 

Prop Bets of the Night

Julius Randle OVER 9.5 Rebounds (-105 at BetMGM)

The New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks is the tightest line of the day. The Hawks are coming off a tough, contested game at Detroit last night for the NBA In-Season Tournament. All of Atlanta’s starters except Clint Capela played 34 minutes or more, Saddiq Bey played 27 minutes off the bench, and essentially Atlanta only used an eight-person rotation. They will be tired, and there will be missed shots from the Hawks. 

This should benefit Randle who is averaging 10.3 rebounds per game, 13th overall in the Association. He has gone over this prop in seven of their ten games this season and should grab at least ten boards tonight. His scoring has been higher lately, he averages eight defensive rebounds per game and should cash in on the Hawks' tired legs.

Kevin Durant OVER 1.5 Threes made (-140 at DraftKings)

The big three of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant will be on the court together for the first time this season. The mega superstar team that everyone discussed as preseason favorites will finally show their fans what they have been waiting to see. There is the discussion of D. Booker being on a minute count, but B. Beal and K. Durant have played together for three games. During those three games, K. Durant has gone over this prop every game and has sixteen total three-point attempts. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves had a tough, hard-fought, battle (literally) last night. Four of their starters played 31 or more minutes, and the bench had extended minutes due to Jaden McDaniels being ejected after two minutes of play. The Timberwolves are underrated and have the best defense in the Association, but the Suns have scorers. In fact, their scorers can light it up without being close to the rim. Kevin Durant will likely stretch out Karl-Anthony Towns, who plays poor defense already and shoot over the Timberwolves' rim protectors. D. Booker coming back could help K. Durant with the best defender no longer playing against him, and he has always been an excellent spot-up shooter. This should be an exciting game and has a tipoff time of 9:00 PM ET.

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Thank you for reading.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

*All Bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise